ON January 2 a strong contingent of 12 runners from Okehampton Running Club chose to banish any seasonal excesses by travelling to Exeter to take part in the first major race of the season, the First Chance 10k.

Heavy rain thankfully ceased in time to give good running conditions although there were some large puddles to negotiate. The club is small in numbers in comparison to other clubs but members held their own in this race taking two of the awards and being well placed in the other sections.

First home for Okehampton was the ever consistent Roger Voaden who won the male veteran's 45 category. Marilyn Cooper was delighted to win the female vet 55 award for the second year in succession.

ORC's Jo Daniel and Jane Jackson came third in their sections while Jayne West achieved a personal best. Alan Luffingham fought off an asthma attack during the race but, refusing to be beaten, went on to complete the distance.

It was an excellent day for the club members whose times are as follows: Roger Voaden 36.43, Brian Friend 41.19, Mervyn Rice 42.44, Joanna Daniel 44.36, Greg Miller 46.54, Jane Jackson 47.18, Marilyn Cooper 49.40, Jane Jones 51.15, Jayne West 52.16, Philippa Allom 55.03, Alan Luffingham 56.46 and Lita Vallance 1.09.59.